Yiwu, a county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, has witnessed a growing trade relationship with Africa.
Recent data shows that nearly one-fifth of Yiwu's exports are to African countries, with Algeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria being the primary destinations. Key exports include electromechanical products, plastics, clothing, textiles, and footwear, all well-received in African markets.
Yiwu Jinmin Electric Appliance Co, specializing in low-voltage electrical appliances, reports that over 90 percent of its products are exported to Africa. "Through a deep understanding of African culture and consumption habits, our brands like YAKI are popular among local consumers," said Yang Li, who works at the company.
Yiwu is also importing more African products, with coffee beans being a notable example. From January to September, Yiwu Bonded Logistics Center imported coffee beans from Ethiopia valued at over 1.26 million yuan ($173,910.89).
Yiwu's trade with Africa is evolving with new business models and products. Senegalese businessman Sourakhata Tirera recently purchased new energy vehicles from Yiwu for his new energy online car-hailing company in Dakar, which reflects the increasing cooperation driven by the Belt and Road Initiative.
From January to September, Yiwu's trade with Africa reached 90.94 billion yuan, a 15.6 percent year-on-year increase. Over 50,000 African merchants visited Yiwu from January to July, with more than 3,000 residing in the city, according to Yiwu Customs.
